Electron-cylotron maser radiation from electron holes: Downward current region

Abstract

The electron-cyclotron maser emission from electron holes is applied to holes generated in the downstream current region of the aurora. We suggest that part of the fine structure observed in the auroral kilometric radiation is generated by the electron-cyclotron maser mechanism in the downstream current region. The argument goes that the main background auroral kilometric radiation source is still located in the partial electron ring (horseshoe) distribution of the upward current region while the fine structure is caused by electron holes generated predominantly in the downward current region. Since both regions always exist simultaneously they are acting in tandem in generating auroral kilometric radiation by the same mechanism though in different ways.